J'Cenae [2021] - I Ain't No Side Piece Lover [Smoothway Music]

J'Cenae (aka Jacqueline Cenae Williams) is from Mississippi (Rolling Fork) and auditioned for American Idol in 2004. In 2010 she toured with the late Marvin Sease. After his passing in 2011 she started to focus on her solo career and she released her debut single "Good Stuff" in 2016. 

In 2018 she was taken under the wing of Wendell B (Brown) and appeared in shows with him and in 2019 released a single "I'll Be Down In A Minute" which featured Wendell B (video below). Her first single since then is "I Ain't No Side Piece Lover" released on 25 Aug 2021.

She has a new album due out later this year (20 Nov) titled "Decency".

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8.4
Genre/Style:	Southern  Soul / Deep Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Smoothway Music
Cat No:	None
Date:	25/08/2021
Key/BPM:	4A/78
Value:	£1

The Dirty Dozen - The Best Of 2021... Covers, Reissues, Remixes & Samples Part 24 (Sep 2021 Wk 35)

My selection of this week's best cover versions, remixes, reissues, previously unreleased and new songs using samples or new releases with a retro feel (Sep 2021 Wk 35). (In no particular order).

Not that many matching the criteria this week so there are several tracks from the same artists i.e. Lady Blackbird and Roi 'Chip' Anthony.

They are all covers this week except for three retro tracks from Cota Feat. Trish Toledo and The Four Vandals which is a pair of Ian Levine tailor made Northern Soul tunes. The Al Green track is an orchestral remix from a forthcoming album "Give Me More Love" (due 24 Sep) of his classic tracks given the same treatment..

Not really 'the best of' but rather the only twelve I could find (that aren't vinyl only)!

Pt 23, Pt 22, Pt 21

Pt 20, Pt 19, Pt 18, Pt 17, Pt 16, Pt 15, Pt 14, Pt 13, Pt 12, Pt 11,

Pt 10, Pt 9, Pt 8, Pt 7, Pt 6, Pt 5, Pt 4, Pt 3, Pt 2, Pt 1

SoulStrutter Top 20 - 5th Aug 2021

The SoulStrutter Top 20 of the most viewed posts in the last 30 days (i.e. blog readers choices not mine!).

Carmichael Musiclover is miles ahead and will no doubt stretch further ahead since I've posted the full album released on DSPs on Wed (1 Sep). New entries for The Spinners and Victor Haynes with their new albums and also TanQueray Hayward for the DSP release of Definition Of A Woman with two bonus tracks. A re-entry for Rita Ray (I notice that Mark Merry played it on his Soul Sermon show this evening so perhaps it's a re-entry is a result of recent (belated) radio plays as it three weeks old now?) and to prove it's not 'rigged' Mandee enters at #14 (which is not one of my favourites!).

Last 30 Days

Pos	Prev	Artist - Title	Posted	Days
1	2	Carmichael Musiclover - Slow Motion LP	21/08	15
2	1	The Paradise Projex - The Paradise Projex EP	04/08	32
3	4	Will Downing - The Warmth Of You	10/08	26
4	7	Luna Elle - Flaws	13/08	23
5	5	Sugar Rainbow - Game Of Life	04/08	32
6	8	Sex On Toast - Oh! Loretta	12/08	24
7	12	Regi Myrix - BlackButtahVOL2!! LP	27/08	9
8		Rita Ray - No Greater Love	13/08	23
9	11	Loose Ends - Gonna Make You Mine	11/08	25
10	13	Big Robb - Good One	07/08	29
11		The Spinners - 'Round The Block And Back Again LP	27/08	9
12	16	Lady Blackbird - Black Acid Soul LP	13/08	23
13	14	Tony Walk - The One For You	06/08	30
14		Mandee - Mr. Big Man	28/08	8
15	15	Rich Beggar - Pretty Brown Eyes (George B Remix)	05/08	31
16		Tanqueray Hayward - Definition Of A Woman LP  + Bonus Tracks	28/08	8
17		Victor Haynes - Can We Talk LP	03/09	2
18	6	Showship - School Soul, Vol. 1 LP	25/08	11
19	19	Shannon Lauren Callihan - Used To Be My Love	18/08	18
20	20	Nuwambe - Love Ase LP	08/08	28

The Dirty Dozen - The Best Of 2021... Part 31 (Sep 2021 Wk 35) Spotify Playlist

My selection of the best releases this week (Sep 2021 Wk 35)

In no particular order other than tempo. 

After several slow weeks for quality new releases this week has seen a whole batch of good stuff, so much so that I've extended this weeks dozen to fifteen tracks, and there could have been a few more. The emphasis is on 'Soul' with a capital 'S', no dance tracks and only one blue-eyed singer who has a soulful voice. Probably none are particularly 'commercial', so perhaps won't make any soul charts (apart from possibly Cynthia Jones) but all I think are terrific soul tunes. The purpose of The Dirty Dozen isn't to showcase the obvious, but to highlight tracks that might otherwise get missed.

It has been a challenge to choose this week's SoulStrutter Selection of the Week. Initially I thought it would be a no brainer with Carmichael Musiclover's new album "Slow Motion", but JKabel also released a great album "Collective Thoughts". Elaine E'ssential's "Dreamin" is a killer track and, although now two weeks old, LaVelle & Anthony Hamilton's "Fell In Love" is another cracker. Another that I like, which is also a couple of weeks old, is the EP from French blue-eyed singer Roxane Gelis, especially the title track  "Thank U".

Given that the main aim of the choice is to highlight music from lesser known artists that otherwise might get overlooked I've ruled out Carmichael Musiclover as it is already at #2 on Global Soul chart and is most likely to top the chart next week, although it is a superb album throughout. I've featured a couple of the deeper tracks on it which might get left behind by the more uptempo tunes getting the airplay. I think "Time For The Sunshine" is an absolutely stunning track, so soulful and moving and "Keep Going" is not far behind (a fag paper between them).

It was a tight call but I've gone with LaVelle & Anthony Hamiltion "Fell In Love" as it's a few weeks old and I haven't seen any 'love' yet for it so it needs exposure before it sinks without trace.

.

Pt 30, Pt 29, Pt 28, Pt 27, Pt 26, Pt 25, Pt 24, Pt 23, Pt 22, Pt 21,

Pt 20, Pt 19, Pt 18, Pt 17, Pt 16, Pt 15, Pt 14, Pt 13, Pt 12, Pt 11, 

Pt 10, Pt 9,Pt 8, Pt 7, Pt 6, Pt 5, Pt 4, Pt 3, Pt 2, Pt 1

NB You must be logged on to Spotify to listen in full

Elaine E’ssential Feat. Mistro [2021] - Dreamin' [E-ssential Music Entertainment] NEW VIDEO

I posted this track yesterday but have just noticed that she has posted a promo video for it. I have also only just noticed that she co-wrote the song with the great Sam Dees, so no wonder it's so good!

UPDATE: Whilst Sam L Dees is registered as one of the song's writers on BMI I contacted Elaine to clarify as I thought perhaps that he may have been credited for a sample of Atlantic Starr's "Am I Dreaming" (from "Radiant" 1980 which he wrote. If you listen to the linked sound file the intro melody from "Am I Dreaming" is sampled) and she confirmed with the following comment. 

"Hello thanks for your write up. Yes Sam Dees is credited for the Sample & phrase, “Am I Dreamin’, Am I just Imagining you’re hear in my life”. I wrote every other lyric. Thanks for clarifying, I hope this helps."

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8.9
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	E-ssential Music Entertainment / Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	03/09/2021
Key/BPM:	12A/75 (TuneBate reports 70 but i counted 75)
Value:	£1

The Global Soul Chart - 4th Sep 2021

The first chart for September 2021 and a massive clear out with ten new entries, all previously posted, and five of them have been featured in The Dirty Dozen in the last two weeks with three of them being the highest new entries Gwendolyn Collins (#9), Kloud 9 Feat. Maysa (#10), Saint Jaimz Feat. Maxine Jones (#11), Yasmina (#15) and EWF Feat. Lucky Day (#17) along with Tracy Cruz (#20), Nico Bryant (#19), Jay Diggs (#18), Mandee (#16) and Amaria (13).

Unfortunately my prediction that Carmichael Musiclover would knock Victoria Monet of the top didn't materialise but he climbed 17 places to #2 whilst Victoria Monet stays at #2 for the second week on her fourth week on the chart (she released a new retro 70s video for the tune on 2 Sep posted yesterday). It's also pleasing to see Nuwambe climb into the top 10 as that was an album tipped here on 8 Aug. 

Surely there are better tunes around than Mandee, Amaria and Jay Diggs? e.g. LaTanya Hughes, Brittany Turnipseed, Charlie Dhani, Ranay Shakara and Acantha Lang plus quite a batch coming through this week, but I think the London DJs will push Mandee higher which I don't particularly rate highly.

Losers:

Leela James, Durand Jones & The Indications, Emmavie, Christopher Williams, India Shawn, Swindle, Samm Henshaw, Stokely, Don-E, Sheena O. Murray

Highest Risers:

Carmichael Musiclover (+17), Georgie Sweet (+6), Nuwamba (+6)

Biggest Fallers:

Reva DeVito & Midas Hutch (-12), Anthony Hamilton (-6), India Ivonna (-3)

NB The 'Essential 5' and 'The Breakers' are listed in a separate post.

The album/EP tracks shown are the ones played on the Global Soul Chart show.

01 (01) (=) Victoria Monét - Coastin’

02 (19) (+17) Carmichael Musiclover - Summer Breeze (Slow Motion LP)

03 (03) (=) Kim Tavar - 1 + 1 Don't = 3

04 (10) (+06) Georgie Sweet - Circled

05 (07) (+02) Will Downing - The Warmth Of You

06 (12) (+06) Nuwamba - To The Light (Love Ase LP)

07 (04) (-03) India Ivonna - Sunshine Where (Life After Love LP)

08 (08) (=) Jaguar Skills & Omar - Loving Someone (Pt. 1)

09 NE Gwendolyn Collins Feat. Black Orchid & Tey Yaniis - Roll With Me

(released 25/08 / posted 26/08 / Rated: 8.5) Dirty Dozen 29/08

10 NE Kloud 9 Feat. Maysa - 24/7 Love

(released 27/08 / posted 27/08 / Rated: 8.2) Dirty Dozen 29/08

11 NE Saint Jaimz Feat. Maxine Jones - Get Over Your Love (Intuition EP)

(released 20/08 / posted 25/08 / Rated: 8.3)  Dirty Dozen 29/08

12 (06) (-06) Anthony Hamilton - Love Is The New Black

13 NE Amaria - Friendzone (Bittersweet LP)

(released 18/08 / posted 24/08 / Rated: 7.7)

14 (02) (-12) Reva DeVito & Midas Hutch - One Shot

15 NE Yasmina - Don't Deserve This

(released 20/08 / posted 21/08 / Rated: 8.2) Dirty Dozen 22/08

16 NE Mandee - Mr Big Man

(released 28/08 / posted 22/08 & 28/08 / Rated: 7.4)

17 NE Earth Wind & Fire Feat. Lucky Daye - You Want My Love

(released 20/08 / posted 20/08 / Rated: 8.8) Dirty Dozen Covers 22/08

18 NE Jay Diggs - Something Bout The Night

(released 20/08 / posted 21/08 / Rated: 7.4)

19 NE Nico Bryant Dance Wit Me (Feat GhostTownProspects) (Forever Feelings LP)

(released 13/08 / posted 13/08 / Rated: 8)

20 NE Tracy Cruz - Find A Way

(released 27/08 / posted 28/08 / Rated: 8.2)

The Global Soul Chart - 4th Sep 2021 - The Essential 5 & The Breakers

This week's 'Essential 5' and 'The Breakers' played by Franklin Sinclair on the Global Soul Chart Show which is aired between 5pm-7pm every Saturday on Global Soul Radio.

He plays the Essential 5 at the start of the show, whilst The Breakers are interspersed between chart entries. 

A podcast of the show is posted each week on Mixcloud or listen on Global Soul Chart post.

The Essential 5

No Essential 5 selected again this week so nothing to report on last week's progress either.

The Breakers

Twelve breakers featured again this week, eight already posted, three posted today and one not posted.

Four of of last week's breakers entered the chart this week,  Kloud 9 Feat. Maysa 24/7 Love (#10), Gwendolyn Collins Roll With Me (#9), Yasmina Don't Deserve This (#15) (all three have also featured in The Dirty Dozen over recent weeks) and Nico Bryant Forever Feelings LP (#19). It would be nice to see Acantha Lang and Brittany Turnipseed enter.

Kenzie - It's U (Kenzies's Place LP)

(released 02/09 / posted 05/09 / Rated: 7.7)

Roxane Gelis & R3Mi - Who's The Man? (Thank U EP)

(released 19/08 / posted 03/09 / Rated: 8.4)

JKabel - Waiting (Collective Thoughts LP)

(released 03/09 / posted 03/09 / Rated: 8.4)

Ranay Shakara - I Been (The Love EP)

(released 27/08 / posted 27/08 / Rated: 9) The Dirty Dozen 29/08

Last week's SoulStrutter Selection of the Week (29/08)

Jazz Amadi - Steady (Late Bloomer LP)

(released 23/08 / posted 05/09 / Rated: 8.1)

LaTanya Hughes - Too Grown

(released 17/08 / posted 23/08 / Rated: 8.8) The Dirty Dozen 29/08

MediSun - Speak Love

(released 20/08 / posted 28/08 / Rated: 8) 

J-Silk - Wonderland

(released 27/08 / posted 05/09 / Rated: 7.8)

Jasmine Jordan - Summertime

(released 24/08 / not posted)

Brandy Haze - Unfortunate (That's Unfortunate EP)

(released 20/08 / posted 04/09 / Rated: 7.8)

Arjuna Oakes & Serebii - Reset (First Nights EP)

(released 27/08 / posted 27/08 / Rated: 7.8)

Cynthia Jones [2021] - Ain't No Half Steppin

(released 27/08 / posted 03/09 / Rated: 8)

The Realm [2021] - Vybin' [Self Released]

The new single from Manny 'The Realm' Rehelu "Vybin" was released 3 Sep 2021. It has already been receiving airplay on advance promo.

I've seen it on playlists stating that it features Britney Jayy but there is no reference to her on listing or sleeve cover.

Click icons below for further information or to connect with the artist.

Details

Rating:	8
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	03/09/2021
Key/BPM:	N/A
Value:	£1

J-Silk [2021] - Wonderland [Groovin'crew]

J-Silk are a blue-eyed Anglo-French trio Joanna Rives, Louis Gaffney and Didier Bassan who describe their music as future soul and have released around six singles and two EPs since 2017. Their latest single "Wonderland" was released last week (27 Aug 2021).

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Details

Rating:	7.8
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Groovin'crew
Cat No:	None
Date:	27/08/2021
Key/BPM:	8A/92
Value:	£1

Lauren Ashley Feat. A-natural & Richie Nobrega Jr [2021] - Love Is Stronger Than Pride [Natural City Music]

Lauren Ashley covers Sade's 1988 song and the title of her third and last album of the 80s "Love Is Stronger Than Pride".

It's quite amazing really how Sade has stood the test of time because in her prime she only had one UK Top 10 single ("Your Love Is King") and only eight UK top 40 hits in total. In contrast she had 13 entries in the US R&B charts, 10 of which were top 10. This song didn't enter the R&B chart and wasn't a UK top 40 hit. Of course the charts mean nothing to soul people but I thought it would be interesting to explore her chart history.

Lauren Ashley is from Paterson, NJ, and this would appear to be only her second 'official' release, although it's difficult to verify as her discography on all DSP's is merged with several other artists with the same name.

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Details

Rating:	7.2
Genre/Style:	Neo Soul
Format:	Single
Media:	Digital
Label:	Natural City Music
Cat No:	None
Date:	27/08/2021
Key/BPM:	10A/58
Value:	£1